Articles
Observer - At the supermarket -
Sunday, March 01, 2009
CATEGORY - TRAIN
I have a feeling I have duplicated, but until I see where...
Articles
Observer - Don't get the train on a Friday
Information
nationalexpresseastcoast.com -
nationalrail.co.uk -
railcard.co.uk -
seat61.com -
Articles
Observer - Don't get the train on a Friday
Information
nationalexpresseastcoast.com -
nationalrail.co.uk -
railcard.co.uk -
seat61.com -
CATEGORY - POPULATION
One thing is for sure, you won't see much opinion from me on this one!
Yes, I am a wuss.
ARTICLES
Newsnight - How do we feed the world in the future?
Indy - Are there just too many people in the world?
There are a few, very few, with the courage to write about the topic of population. Even fewer in positions of leadership amongst them, much less prepared to consider how to address the issue.
If, as seems evident, our global numbers are expanding, as there is a fixed, finite area to accommodate and support us all, and the consequences of our existing, there has to be an end point.
And it's worth noting to all the vegetarian advocates who often crop up in such discussions that their... very worthy... case simply buys more time, even if we ignore the design fault that made most of us omnivores.
And speaking of Mother Nature, she might be argued to have erred in other aspects of her creation. Our newly found ethical overrides, on top of technology, pretty much ensure most checks and balances she put in place to maintain an ideal level of our race are negated.
Mind you, with SARS or 'global warming' maybe she has indeed already have ready all she needs ready to get things back under control. And, brutally, one view being suggested is that such as a multi-year drought (however caused 'globally') might be her way of trying to do as she intended, but gets rather countered by keeping vast populations barely alive in camps where there is little to do that what else comes naturally by artificial drip-fed means isn't that sustainable. Of course, like many caring Western celebs and commentators, this notion appalls me, and hence no alternatives can really be easily discussed for fear of the inevitable reactions to even raising the point. So, having slammed the lack of international statespersonship, I certainly would not envy anyone who tried to should the burden of Global Triage.
However, voluntary birth control certainly seems a heck of a good start. Just... bear in mind, it still only buys time.
Times - The population explosion on Europe’s doorstep - I am reassured that 'we' are going to 'peak' at 9.5 (not 10 in round figures?) Billion, but don't fancy the notion on how this is arrived at, literally or figuratively
Times - Fatal Misconception: The Struggle to Control World Population by Matthew Connelly - A book review
Newsnight -
Amazing level of intellectual heft and experience brought to bear on this important subject. Well, from Mr. Porritt at least. So one of four non-blondes wasn't bad.
As I pour chocolate sauce over a profiterole, I am struck by the finite area of the globe as the brown stuff covers it.
Not that we are likely to get to full coverage, even with technology stacking us up as it sends our waste below (not too sure on where the feeding bits go...oh well).... I do believe the planet (which will persist well after we have gone) already is demonstrating corrective systems of its own.
Guardian - No kidding, BMJ - Points being made, and missed, in spades
Indy - No coercion in family planning - missed the original, sadly
Science Daily - courtesy of Dave from Solarventi - Population Policy Needed In Order To Combat Climate Change, Experts Argue - Sheesh, we Westerners certainly have an impact.
Indy Letters - More people than the planet can hold
Telegraph - Save the planet by cutting down on meat? That's just a load of bull - Pull out pin, lob... and duck
Indy - Some hints for saving the world - Or... just get the extremes agitated again
Times - Cassandra: stay childless and save the environment - My mute observations continue.
Times - EU and Green envy at China-style restrictions on family size
Times - Two children should be limit, says green guru - 416 comments. 'Nuff said.. well, obviously not.
BBC - Is it selfish to have more than two children?
Guardian - Cutting consumption is more important than limiting population
Guardian - NEW - Lack of water still kills
INFORMATION (cautions on objectivity)
optimumpopulation.org
Yes, I am a wuss.
ARTICLES
Newsnight - How do we feed the world in the future?
Indy - Are there just too many people in the world?
There are a few, very few, with the courage to write about the topic of population. Even fewer in positions of leadership amongst them, much less prepared to consider how to address the issue.
If, as seems evident, our global numbers are expanding, as there is a fixed, finite area to accommodate and support us all, and the consequences of our existing, there has to be an end point.
And it's worth noting to all the vegetarian advocates who often crop up in such discussions that their... very worthy... case simply buys more time, even if we ignore the design fault that made most of us omnivores.
And speaking of Mother Nature, she might be argued to have erred in other aspects of her creation. Our newly found ethical overrides, on top of technology, pretty much ensure most checks and balances she put in place to maintain an ideal level of our race are negated.
Mind you, with SARS or 'global warming' maybe she has indeed already have ready all she needs ready to get things back under control. And, brutally, one view being suggested is that such as a multi-year drought (however caused 'globally') might be her way of trying to do as she intended, but gets rather countered by keeping vast populations barely alive in camps where there is little to do that what else comes naturally by artificial drip-fed means isn't that sustainable. Of course, like many caring Western celebs and commentators, this notion appalls me, and hence no alternatives can really be easily discussed for fear of the inevitable reactions to even raising the point. So, having slammed the lack of international statespersonship, I certainly would not envy anyone who tried to should the burden of Global Triage.
However, voluntary birth control certainly seems a heck of a good start. Just... bear in mind, it still only buys time.
Times - The population explosion on Europe’s doorstep - I am reassured that 'we' are going to 'peak' at 9.5 (not 10 in round figures?) Billion, but don't fancy the notion on how this is arrived at, literally or figuratively
Times - Fatal Misconception: The Struggle to Control World Population by Matthew Connelly - A book review
Newsnight -
Amazing level of intellectual heft and experience brought to bear on this important subject. Well, from Mr. Porritt at least. So one of four non-blondes wasn't bad.
As I pour chocolate sauce over a profiterole, I am struck by the finite area of the globe as the brown stuff covers it.
Not that we are likely to get to full coverage, even with technology stacking us up as it sends our waste below (not too sure on where the feeding bits go...oh well).... I do believe the planet (which will persist well after we have gone) already is demonstrating corrective systems of its own.
Guardian - No kidding, BMJ - Points being made, and missed, in spades
Indy - No coercion in family planning - missed the original, sadly
Science Daily - courtesy of Dave from Solarventi - Population Policy Needed In Order To Combat Climate Change, Experts Argue - Sheesh, we Westerners certainly have an impact.
Indy Letters - More people than the planet can hold
Telegraph - Save the planet by cutting down on meat? That's just a load of bull - Pull out pin, lob... and duck
Indy - Some hints for saving the world - Or... just get the extremes agitated again
Times - Cassandra: stay childless and save the environment - My mute observations continue.
Times - EU and Green envy at China-style restrictions on family size
Times - Two children should be limit, says green guru - 416 comments. 'Nuff said.. well, obviously not.
BBC - Is it selfish to have more than two children?
Guardian - Cutting consumption is more important than limiting population
Guardian - NEW - Lack of water still kills
INFORMATION (cautions on objectivity)
optimumpopulation.org
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Respect where it is due
Revealed: The secrets of belly button fluff
Mr Barker has been collecting his own navel fluff in jars every day since 1984. The achievement has won him a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's largest collection of navel lint.
We have even gone so far as to keep the boys' hair trimmings (they and I get a two-monthly number 2 razor trim from the missus), and they are lustrous and may yet have a use (mine are a sad salt and pepper mix and we decided they had no value). But this is a step beyond.
Mr Barker has been collecting his own navel fluff in jars every day since 1984. The achievement has won him a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's largest collection of navel lint.
We have even gone so far as to keep the boys' hair trimmings (they and I get a two-monthly number 2 razor trim from the missus), and they are lustrous and may yet have a use (mine are a sad salt and pepper mix and we decided they had no value). But this is a step beyond.
EVENT - HR - Climate Change Event - Ross-on-Wye
With all due apologies to those not 'local'.
I know this is now a national, even internationally-read blog, so I hope putting the postcode in the title will suffice for now until I can figure a better system (which I think will need to be on the main site)
WHEN: March 4, 2-3.30PM
WHAT: Herefordshire Council Climate Change Event
WHERE: Ross Library (note for those in Hay, there are other venues & dates)
WHAT... MORE?: Antonia Fitch, Herefordshire Council's sustainability officer, says, 'No background knowledge of climate change is needed and we want people to share their own experiences about how the issues are affecting their own families. We are working hard to raise awareness of the issues but also want to hear directly from county residents so we can target our actions to meet what they need.
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: Courtesy of Wyenot.com
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend.
I know this is now a national, even internationally-read blog, so I hope putting the postcode in the title will suffice for now until I can figure a better system (which I think will need to be on the main site)
WHEN: March 4, 2-3.30PM
WHAT: Herefordshire Council Climate Change Event
WHERE: Ross Library (note for those in Hay, there are other venues & dates)
WHAT... MORE?: Antonia Fitch, Herefordshire Council's sustainability officer, says, 'No background knowledge of climate change is needed and we want people to share their own experiences about how the issues are affecting their own families. We are working hard to raise awareness of the issues but also want to hear directly from county residents so we can target our actions to meet what they need.
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: Courtesy of Wyenot.com
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend.
Friday, February 27, 2009
EVENT - HR - Herefordshire Greenlinks Public Event and Green Business Expo
WHEN: Tuesday 17 March 2009 7.30 pm - 10 pm
WHAT: Health, Wealth, and Green Living
WHERE: The Courtyard, Hereford
WHAT... MORE?: From the site:
Public Event & Greenlinks Exhibition
Come and join the 400 businesses, public, media, and panel of well known speakers
discussing innovative ways to beat the recession and develop a vibrant local economy.
After the panel speakers, the discussion groups will focus on the stand holders and speakers, giving opportunities for everyone to get to know a growing network of green businesses and enthusiastic supporters.
7:30 pm
Panel discussion and questions with:
Alistair Sawday, Sawday Publishing
Elaine Brook, Gaia Partnership & Greenlinks
Satish Kumar, Resurgence Magazine
Brigit Strawbridge, TV's 'Not Easy Being Green'
Stewart Walllis, New Economics Foundation
Bianca Madison, Celebrity health advisor
Geoff Hughes, Head of Regeneration, Herefordshire Council
8:40pm
Small-group discussions focused on stand-holders and speakers, with people moving on every 12 minutes to ensure maximum networking.
Emerging 'good ideas' will be posted on a giant banner above the stands
HOW MUCH: Main House Event £6 or £3 from Box Office 01432 340 555
URL: http://www.herefordshiregreenlinks.info/Latest/health-wealth-and-green-living.html
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend. May even be seduced by a stand
WHAT: Health, Wealth, and Green Living
WHERE: The Courtyard, Hereford
WHAT... MORE?: From the site:
Public Event & Greenlinks Exhibition
Come and join the 400 businesses, public, media, and panel of well known speakers
discussing innovative ways to beat the recession and develop a vibrant local economy.
After the panel speakers, the discussion groups will focus on the stand holders and speakers, giving opportunities for everyone to get to know a growing network of green businesses and enthusiastic supporters.
7:30 pm
Panel discussion and questions with:
Alistair Sawday, Sawday Publishing
Elaine Brook, Gaia Partnership & Greenlinks
Satish Kumar, Resurgence Magazine
Brigit Strawbridge, TV's 'Not Easy Being Green'
Stewart Walllis, New Economics Foundation
Bianca Madison, Celebrity health advisor
Geoff Hughes, Head of Regeneration, Herefordshire Council
8:40pm
Small-group discussions focused on stand-holders and speakers, with people moving on every 12 minutes to ensure maximum networking.
Emerging 'good ideas' will be posted on a giant banner above the stands
HOW MUCH: Main House Event £6 or £3 from Box Office 01432 340 555
URL: http://www.herefordshiregreenlinks.info/Latest/health-wealth-and-green-living.html
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend. May even be seduced by a stand
CATEGORY - DIRECTORY
Oh heck, I have tons in other places. Time to pull 'em together as they come up (or I get told).
Anyways, the list of thousands of sources of info starts with the first few links...
ecological-living.co.uk - NEW
greenprofs.com
Junkk diRE:ctory
UK - Postcode Dependent
HR -Herefordshire
herefordshiregreenlinks -
Anyways, the list of thousands of sources of info starts with the first few links...
ecological-living.co.uk - NEW
greenprofs.com
Junkk diRE:ctory
UK - Postcode Dependent
HR -Herefordshire
herefordshiregreenlinks -
Finding the energy
It came to me more targeted at 'energy professionals', but having clicked the link I see no harm in sharing here.
If any of you have expertise/experience of energy saving/renewable and low carbon energy technologies and can advise the households involved in the Big Energy Shift your input would be gratefully received. They have asked a load of questions which they would like people's views on.
It has a few links and pages some may value for info, or have the experience to contribute to.
Do love the current 'freeze frame' of Minister Ed Miliband on the home page. Not sure he would:)
If any of you have expertise/experience of energy saving/renewable and low carbon energy technologies and can advise the households involved in the Big Energy Shift your input would be gratefully received. They have asked a load of questions which they would like people's views on.
It has a few links and pages some may value for info, or have the experience to contribute to.
Do love the current 'freeze frame' of Minister Ed Miliband on the home page. Not sure he would:)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Walk walk vs. talk talk
With all due apologies to Winston Churchill for the paraphrase.
I tend now to avoid getting into much about climate change (or whatever its incarnation du jour is), much less the man-made aspect.
It seems pretty clear that some odd things are going on, and mostly not good. As I am not so keen on bans, while I do see merit in sensible reductions, mitigations, etc, and ways to effect these.
But I am also a fan of pragmatism, so while there are many (in fact I'd say too many) who still seem to enjoy rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic whilst discussing the number of angels who can dance atop the head of a pin, I tend to get more exciting by things to do. Especially by way of contingencies should what is predicted by many take place.
Hence I, and possibly you dear reader, might find this report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, commissioned by Ch4, a worthy, if sobering read. Of course, as with all things, the spectre of 'The Two E's' is again a major elephant in the room.
I tend now to avoid getting into much about climate change (or whatever its incarnation du jour is), much less the man-made aspect.
It seems pretty clear that some odd things are going on, and mostly not good. As I am not so keen on bans, while I do see merit in sensible reductions, mitigations, etc, and ways to effect these.
But I am also a fan of pragmatism, so while there are many (in fact I'd say too many) who still seem to enjoy rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic whilst discussing the number of angels who can dance atop the head of a pin, I tend to get more exciting by things to do. Especially by way of contingencies should what is predicted by many take place.
Hence I, and possibly you dear reader, might find this report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, commissioned by Ch4, a worthy, if sobering read. Of course, as with all things, the spectre of 'The Two E's' is again a major elephant in the room.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mushroom time again
Kept in the dark. Fed... well, in the cause of coming to a view, not much of use.
I remain dubious about nuclear for a variety of reasons, articulated before, but mainly for the ongoing lack of guarantees for what happens 'down the road'. Space 1999 and all that.
But I do concede that, if on the other hand we are facing more immediate peril from the consequences of our energy addictions currently met by burning fossil fuels, with growing populations and recovering economies we are in between a rock an a hard place.
I am not really in the mood, or of a mind to go into all that throws up here, but it is complex, and I if that were not enough of a worry given the evident competencies of our current 'leaderships', the selfish, careerist, money-driven short-termism shown so far suggests that some things are often seen as just alternatives, rather than as part of a time-buying strategy on the road to stability.
However, or maybe because of this, this worries me...
Pro-nuclear Green candidate faces axe
And it worries me because of the politics. We are in an era of either/or, black and white, all or nothing. Nuance is not an option. Especially in the politico-media establishment.
My frustrations with the, in theory 'democratic' political process is now almost total. I have no faith that anything I do via my MP matters any more. And much of this is because too often I see him 'told' how to vote for party reasons rather than any hint of representing my views, or what he sees as the good of the county and country he represents.
Now I can see how the views of these individuals can clash with that of the party, and indeed the manifesto it needs to stand behind in campaigning, but there strikes me as something worrying about that last phrase: “We will be taking appropriate measures.”
I remain dubious about nuclear for a variety of reasons, articulated before, but mainly for the ongoing lack of guarantees for what happens 'down the road'. Space 1999 and all that.
But I do concede that, if on the other hand we are facing more immediate peril from the consequences of our energy addictions currently met by burning fossil fuels, with growing populations and recovering economies we are in between a rock an a hard place.
I am not really in the mood, or of a mind to go into all that throws up here, but it is complex, and I if that were not enough of a worry given the evident competencies of our current 'leaderships', the selfish, careerist, money-driven short-termism shown so far suggests that some things are often seen as just alternatives, rather than as part of a time-buying strategy on the road to stability.
However, or maybe because of this, this worries me...
Pro-nuclear Green candidate faces axe
And it worries me because of the politics. We are in an era of either/or, black and white, all or nothing. Nuance is not an option. Especially in the politico-media establishment.
My frustrations with the, in theory 'democratic' political process is now almost total. I have no faith that anything I do via my MP matters any more. And much of this is because too often I see him 'told' how to vote for party reasons rather than any hint of representing my views, or what he sees as the good of the county and country he represents.
Now I can see how the views of these individuals can clash with that of the party, and indeed the manifesto it needs to stand behind in campaigning, but there strikes me as something worrying about that last phrase: “We will be taking appropriate measures.”
The THREE E's, again?
An interesting piece that at first blush is more concerned with my 'Two E' dilemma, namely economics 'vs.' environment.
However, a third is worked in, namely electricity. With a hue of greencloaking around too, perhaps.
Don’t let’s fall for all these ‘green’ credentials
What is interesting is how little is devoted to enviROI still. Even by the author. I have lost count of the number of puff pieces with some mic-toting moppet gushing that these things do not create emissions.
Personally I think there is great merit in pursuing electricity as a power option for vehicles. But it has to be done in concert with a realisation, and acceptance that until the method of electricity generation is developed in complement, they can hardly be deemed to be 'green'. 'Greener', perhaps, at least in some aspects, such as localised pollution (though it still ends up in the air elsewhere), hence the value even now in certain applications. Just... so long it is not just to tick a box somewhere that has little bearing on my kids' futures and more on meeting targets, propping up constituency votes, delivering to lobbyists or scoring a bonus.
Plus, as the comments show, there is also this rather unseemly, and uncritical rush to support anything that slaps a green sticker on it. I watch the BBC report on this, and came away thinking it a tad churlish to turn them down.
Now I read the fuller facts, and that there are already niche players well entrenched to tackle such markets as can be gained, there is different picture emerging. Especially to me as a taxpayer, and environmentally-concerned one at that.
However, a third is worked in, namely electricity. With a hue of greencloaking around too, perhaps.
Don’t let’s fall for all these ‘green’ credentials
What is interesting is how little is devoted to enviROI still. Even by the author. I have lost count of the number of puff pieces with some mic-toting moppet gushing that these things do not create emissions.
Personally I think there is great merit in pursuing electricity as a power option for vehicles. But it has to be done in concert with a realisation, and acceptance that until the method of electricity generation is developed in complement, they can hardly be deemed to be 'green'. 'Greener', perhaps, at least in some aspects, such as localised pollution (though it still ends up in the air elsewhere), hence the value even now in certain applications. Just... so long it is not just to tick a box somewhere that has little bearing on my kids' futures and more on meeting targets, propping up constituency votes, delivering to lobbyists or scoring a bonus.
Plus, as the comments show, there is also this rather unseemly, and uncritical rush to support anything that slaps a green sticker on it. I watch the BBC report on this, and came away thinking it a tad churlish to turn them down.
Now I read the fuller facts, and that there are already niche players well entrenched to tackle such markets as can be gained, there is different picture emerging. Especially to me as a taxpayer, and environmentally-concerned one at that.
Monday, February 23, 2009
It's good to share
As does the author, so do I...
Around the world with Richard Branson in eight days: jetlagged in Sydney
I leave you, dear reader, to draw your own conclusions. Especially when the next dodgy eco-adventure is given lots of lovely PR by way of 'mitigation'.
I wonder who else was on board... in every sense of the word?
Around the world with Richard Branson in eight days: jetlagged in Sydney
I leave you, dear reader, to draw your own conclusions. Especially when the next dodgy eco-adventure is given lots of lovely PR by way of 'mitigation'.
I wonder who else was on board... in every sense of the word?
Good news for once?
Well, I think that this bit of research, reported in the Chicago Tribune, which indicates a potentially major breakthrough against one of mankind's longest established and most effective killers, influenza, probably is just so. The newly developed monoclonal antibody even appears to be effective against H5N1 (that's the much touted, very scary bird flu, for those of you that have forgotten about it).
OK, so it has only been tested on mice so far, but isn't it a little odd that the UK press appears not even to have spotted this?
Ohhh, silly me. Alongside the likes of global warming, the credit crunch, global recession, wars, food shortages, etc. etc., it would have to be regarded as good news, wouldn't it.
Maybe I'm being a little hasty and overtly critical, as I've just spotted that it HAS been mentioned in the Express ('Wonder jab to cure all flu') and the Telegraph ('Flu Vaccine Breakthrough') [though technically, it is not a vaccine].
OK, so it has only been tested on mice so far, but isn't it a little odd that the UK press appears not even to have spotted this?
Ohhh, silly me. Alongside the likes of global warming, the credit crunch, global recession, wars, food shortages, etc. etc., it would have to be regarded as good news, wouldn't it.
Maybe I'm being a little hasty and overtly critical, as I've just spotted that it HAS been mentioned in the Express ('Wonder jab to cure all flu') and the Telegraph ('Flu Vaccine Breakthrough') [though technically, it is not a vaccine].
The rise of the rest
I actually don't think of other countries as 'the rest', but this is an interesting set of stats, especially if you consider the enviro-impacts.
Rise of the Rest - Futuresgroup.wordpress.com
Mind you, it's good our PM is concerned about Mrs. Tweed, nee Goody, as a matter of priority.
Rise of the Rest - Futuresgroup.wordpress.com
Mind you, it's good our PM is concerned about Mrs. Tweed, nee Goody, as a matter of priority.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Packing 'em in
I just got back last night from a two-day trip to an intellectual property conference in Glasgow.
And it was one to which I had been invited to as a speaker. The roller-coaster ride that is RE:tie was and still is deemed to be an interesting study. And this time it was in the awesome, but imposing setting of the University's stunning Bute Hall.
Mostly pretty high-end legal stuff which was waaaay over my head, but some useful material which I'll share here for budding researchers and/or inventors. One of my points was that those who 'create' are often not that well served by the highly necessary complementary business aspects to get to sustainable models, and that is often down to not knowing about a lot that is in fact out there for free.
For instance, a speaker from the IPO shared these latest, and highly useful IP tools on their site:
Lambert Agreements - http://www.innovation.gov.uk/lambertagreements/
Gowers Review - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/licensingbooklet.pdf
Patent Licensing - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/licensingbooklet.pdf
IP Healthcheck - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/iphealthcheck - worth doing!
Meanwhile another speaker, from the British Library, shared this:
Business & IP Centre - http://www.bl.uk/bipc/
Plus the fact that they really do have an awful lot of information available that one might not realise is there to be had. For instance, I have been staring at a price of £1200 for a report on the packaging market for bottle caps, and wishing I could have a look. Seems that, via the Library, I may be able to just that! For nothing.
And then, in the course of some spirited discussion between podium and floor, I ended up with some key offers of direct help which I am hoping will prove highly valuable.
One little bit of Kismet was that the very day I spoke the news media were alive with top stories about packaging, and manufacturers and retailers were not coming out well and/or struggling to find and share solutions, and certainly few that would be deemed positive in a consumer sense.
As I was there I missed them, but have had a quick trawl to try and capture a few. They did not hurt my advocacy for Junkk.com or the cause of RE:tie, a redesign that turns grams of plastic from litter or landfill... to reuse.
Telegraph - 'Excessive' supermarket packaging is leading to higher council tax bills
Examples included Britvic saving 1,670 tons of plastic a year by redesigning Robinsons squash bottles
Telegraph - M&S bottom of packaging recycling list - Time for Plan, er... reuse?
Telegraph - There is a Plan B - with a link to a comment I made a while ago! One of ... two so far, even with the revisit.
Telegraph - Packaging 'sinks Marks & Spencer green bid' - Not a headline I fancy they will appreciate. To be fair, and the MSM seem hardly capable of this when a good headline beckons, the last para does suggest 'M&S disputed the research, which looked at 29 of their 5,500 products, and said 91 per cent of their food packaging could be recycled.' Might have been worth a follow-up to check? Or... moving on.
Telegraph - M&S worst supermarket in green report - Archive stuff, but when you end up bottom I guess that is what gets focused upon. Especially if you make some big claims that seem poorly borne out in fact.
Times - Supermarkets fail to shine in packaging study to find the greenest of them all - Interesting that they single out Waitrose instead. It is worth noting the first comment that councils, or rather the national policies, are by no means helping.
Indy - Pay packaging recycling costs, stores told - Just so's we're clear: when they pay... we pay.
Guardian - Supermarkets' excessive packaging exposed by survey - I'm surprised there was not more comment.
Packaging News - Supermarket 'excess packaging' report dismissed as "nonsense"
Packaging News - Retailers fight back as media storm erupts over 'excess packaging'
Packaging News - Soap Box: packaging's public image
Packaging News - The LGA's 'War on Waste': a response
An industry response that is, as might be expected.. 'robust'. But before we go all Mandy Rice Davis WeTWoST (Well, They Would Say That), read some of the responses. Not sure any MSM types did, especially on broadcast. Lots of emotive, and illogical, vox pops supported by often rather conveniently forgetful 'experts' with axes to grind and targets to meet. It IS all vastly more complex and serving the public ill to pretend otherwise.
'..a constructive debate about packaging in the media.'
Bless. When there are agendas to push, ratings to drive and targets to meet, I have long since given up on anything well researched and/or objective from the MSM, complicit at the hands of those who are happy to use their less than challenging reporting abilities to push press releases out as stories.
And I am a green campaigner!
My frustration lies in that all too often the cause of actual overall reductions (waste, emissions, etc... that I categorise under enviROI) is poorly served. Also there can be a highly negative, and damaging backlash if these 'messengers' have their messages shown to be poorly thought through or, worse, often more in the cause of their own self-interest.
Fool the public once, shame on you...
The ever worthwhile Almost Mrs. Average has a balanced, consumer-centric take... Recycling Blame
The public... is not daft.
But is it...
Ethical Man is reborn
Like the last one, I'll probably value some of the information, but I suspect the overall message will crank an eyebrow as various aspects are 'cherry picked' and just as casually dropped later as part of the 'enhanced narrative'.
Ethical Man Project
Facebook Group
Twitter
Blog
Can't wait. Even aspects of the first sentence starts my eyebrow quivering... '..buy a hybrid car'.
Then of course there was what got done for the story, and what happened in fact...
'We stopped flying,'
But he didn't. He flew to Jamaica to 'report' on energy saving bulbs. And the family may have had a year out camping, and very nice too, but I very much doubt when it was all over there was not the odd ski trip with the rest of the BBC school break crew subsequently.
'..got rid of the car'
Not sure that's quite a fair representation. They sold their car to a friend on the basis they could use it when required, and/or rented.
Plus of course all that goes on behind the camera to make what is in front look slick.
And finally... and again... when it's all over then what? Fly back and take a nice holiday?
Looking at the comments so far (I have refrained), it is already shaping up as pretty polarised with, I am surprised to note, a large chunk not best impressed. Not sure this is working out as well as it might for the message, though the messeners look liek they'll be having some fun. It's a journey I'd love to do one day.
Like the last one, I'll probably value some of the information, but I suspect the overall message will crank an eyebrow as various aspects are 'cherry picked' and just as casually dropped later as part of the 'enhanced narrative'.
Ethical Man Project
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Can't wait. Even aspects of the first sentence starts my eyebrow quivering... '..buy a hybrid car'.
Then of course there was what got done for the story, and what happened in fact...
'We stopped flying,'
But he didn't. He flew to Jamaica to 'report' on energy saving bulbs. And the family may have had a year out camping, and very nice too, but I very much doubt when it was all over there was not the odd ski trip with the rest of the BBC school break crew subsequently.
'..got rid of the car'
Not sure that's quite a fair representation. They sold their car to a friend on the basis they could use it when required, and/or rented.
Plus of course all that goes on behind the camera to make what is in front look slick.
And finally... and again... when it's all over then what? Fly back and take a nice holiday?
Looking at the comments so far (I have refrained), it is already shaping up as pretty polarised with, I am surprised to note, a large chunk not best impressed. Not sure this is working out as well as it might for the message, though the messeners look liek they'll be having some fun. It's a journey I'd love to do one day.
I'll drink to that!
Buddhist temple built out of one million beer bottles
Now, imagine if, instead of recycling to box-ticking 'waste mountains', this effort was coordinated in the direction of reuse, and complemented by designed-in second-use materials.
Now, imagine if, instead of recycling to box-ticking 'waste mountains', this effort was coordinated in the direction of reuse, and complemented by designed-in second-use materials.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Up to our necks in sh*t?
Not in the future, according to this from BusinessGreen, as manure can readily be turned in methane using anaerobic digestors, which can then be burned to create electricity, or converted into a feed-stock for biofuels.
"Anaerobic digestors work like small-scale landfill sites, trapping methane from waste organic matter, such as slurry, manure and food waste, that can then be burnt off to produce heat and electricity or converted into biofuel, while also producing a nutrient rich digestate that can be used as a fertiliser."
"This material could produce enough heat and power to run more than two million homes, helping to prevent dangerous climate change by providing a renewable energy source as well as reducing our reliance on landfill."
So there you have it - even cow manure could become a renewable energy source!
"Anaerobic digestors work like small-scale landfill sites, trapping methane from waste organic matter, such as slurry, manure and food waste, that can then be burnt off to produce heat and electricity or converted into biofuel, while also producing a nutrient rich digestate that can be used as a fertiliser."
"This material could produce enough heat and power to run more than two million homes, helping to prevent dangerous climate change by providing a renewable energy source as well as reducing our reliance on landfill."
So there you have it - even cow manure could become a renewable energy source!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
CATEGORY - DDAIDDAIS
This acronym (for 'Don't do as I do; do as I say') has lurked around on this blog* for a while.
Time to pull the threads together. Until I do, let's start here:
Times - Atticus - Defra
Times - Atticus - HMG/Plastic Bags
BBC - Tony the climate tiger: Roaring success?
Indy - 'Jet-setting' government clocked up 300 million air miles last year - 'Well, y'know, like, it's not really practical for THEM not to fly'.
Indy - Ministers keep their gas-guzzling cars despite CO2 targets - Again, there is a need for common sense. The leader of our country out-running a terrorist in an armoured Prius? However, as to the rest...
Guardian - Public servants clocked up 306m air miles last year, Conservatives say - Of course, the key is not the total, but what was/is avoidable.
BBC - BBC staff Olympic details missing - 'The BBC fears the files have been stolen, possibly for identity theft or an attempt to embarrass the BBC over the number of staff going to the Games'. Now, who would think such a thing? They seem immune to most things. I am sure they a sharing the same A380 over, too.
Telegraph - HMRC is accused of double standards over staff expenses - It's not strictly (well, at all) enviro. I don't care.
Times - NEW - Hotshot greens caught wasting home heat - Let he who waves the first finger....
*Might be worth also cross-indexing with 'Quangos Jolly Good Fellows' (see link in baseline)
Time to pull the threads together. Until I do, let's start here:
Times - Atticus - Defra
Times - Atticus - HMG/Plastic Bags
BBC - Tony the climate tiger: Roaring success?
Indy - 'Jet-setting' government clocked up 300 million air miles last year - 'Well, y'know, like, it's not really practical for THEM not to fly'.
Indy - Ministers keep their gas-guzzling cars despite CO2 targets - Again, there is a need for common sense. The leader of our country out-running a terrorist in an armoured Prius? However, as to the rest...
Guardian - Public servants clocked up 306m air miles last year, Conservatives say - Of course, the key is not the total, but what was/is avoidable.
BBC - BBC staff Olympic details missing - 'The BBC fears the files have been stolen, possibly for identity theft or an attempt to embarrass the BBC over the number of staff going to the Games'. Now, who would think such a thing? They seem immune to most things. I am sure they a sharing the same A380 over, too.
Telegraph - HMRC is accused of double standards over staff expenses - It's not strictly (well, at all) enviro. I don't care.
Times - NEW - Hotshot greens caught wasting home heat - Let he who waves the first finger....
*Might be worth also cross-indexing with 'Quangos Jolly Good Fellows' (see link in baseline)
CATEGORY - Coal
It's baaaaack! And hence warrants its own category.
Indy - Back to black: return to coal power
Indy - Coal-fired power: 'Clean coal' technology
BBC - Clean deadline call on coal power
Guardian - Coal isn't the climate enemy, Mr Monbiot. It's the solution - Now there's an odd couple squaring off.
Times - The burning question ...
Guardian - Coal-fired power stations are death factories. Close them
Times - NEW - PM stokes row with ‘clean’ coal plan
Indy - Back to black: return to coal power
Indy - Coal-fired power: 'Clean coal' technology
BBC - Clean deadline call on coal power
Guardian - Coal isn't the climate enemy, Mr Monbiot. It's the solution - Now there's an odd couple squaring off.
Times - The burning question ...
Guardian - Coal-fired power stations are death factories. Close them
Times - NEW - PM stokes row with ‘clean’ coal plan
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